Joe Drape
Posts
Churchill Downs to Cease Racing as It Investigates Deaths of Horses
The track, the home of the Kentucky Derby, is moving races to another location while officials look into why 12 thoroughbreds have died at Churchill...
Churchill Downs Moves to Keep Unsound Horses Off the Track
After the deaths of a dozen thoroughbreds at the Louisville, Ky., track, officials are changing policies that may have incentivized trainers to race vulnerable horses.
Racing Regulators Hold Emergency Meeting to Investigate Horse Deaths
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority called a summit of veterinarians in response to the deaths of 12 horses at Churchill Downs.
Baffert’s National Treasure Wins Preakness After Another Horse Is Fatally Injured
Returning to the Triple Crown trail after a suspension, Bob Baffert watched his colt National Treasure win the Preakness after another one of his horses...
Requiem for the 7 Dead Horses of Kentucky Derby Week
When seven thoroughbreds died at Churchill Downs, it was significant news, but little was said about the individual horses. Here are their stories, beginning with...
Trainer of Onetime Derby Favorite Is Disciplined in Doping Case
Forte, the Kentucky Derby favorite until he was scratched with an injury, failed a drug test last September. His trainer, Todd Pletcher, received a 10-day...
Forte, Once the Derby Favorite, Failed a Drug Test in September
The colt went on to become America’s 2-year-old champion and was favored to win the Kentucky Derby until he was scratched from the race with...
At Churchill Downs, Humans Failed the Horses Again
Despite recent efforts to make horse racing safer, seven horses died at the track in the lead-up to the Kentucky Derby. Whose fault was it?
Mage Wins the Derby After an Agonizing Week at Churchill Downs
Mage, with Javier Castellano aboard, won by a length, bringing joy and relief to fans after a dispiriting run-up to the race in which seven...
Forte, the morning-line favorite, was scratched hours before the race.
The colt was taken out of the field with a bruised hoof at the end of a difficult week for the Derby and the sport.